2026 Mass Save Heat Pump Rebate Changes Explained

If you're a homeowner in Quincy, MA, trying to cut energy bills and make your home more sustainable, you’ve likely heard about heat pumps and the powerful Mass Save® rebate program. As of 2026, key changes to how much you can save—and how to qualify—have taken effect. This guide unpacks everything you need to know based on the updated Mass Save® rebates.

Quincy’s climate, with cold winters and increasingly humid summers, makes heat pumps an ideal choice for efficient, year-round comfort. But with new rebate rules, securing top incentives before reductions continue is more critical than ever.

“In a coastal city like Quincy, where homes face both nor’easters and summer humidity, installing a heat pump isn’t just about savings—it’s about long-term comfort and resilience.”

Let’s explore what’s changed in 2026, what you need to qualify, and how SumZero Energy Systems can help residents in Quincy make smart, timely upgrades.

Quincy Homeowners: What’s New for 2026 Mass Save Heat Pump Rebates?

The Mass Save® program is still offering heat pump rebates in 2026, but reduced funding means fewer dollars and more specific qualification rules than in 2025. There are also new technical requirements you need to be aware of before installing a system.

Rebate Amounts Have Dropped in 2026

Compared to 2025, rebates in 2026 have been cut by up to $1,500. This shift impacts homeowners planning installations this year.

Here’s how the 2026 rebate categories now stand:

• Whole-Home Heat Pump Rebate: $2,650 per ton, up to $8,500  
• Partial-Home Heat Pump Rebate: $1,125 per ton, up to $8,500  
• Basic Rebate: $250 per ton, up to $2,500  
• Income-Based Enhanced Incentives: Up to $16,000 or zero cost through turnkey services for qualified households

This means if you’re retrofitting your entire Quincy home, you could be eligible for as much as $8,500. But timing matters—these amounts are expected to phase out further in the coming years.

“Rebates aren’t going up—they’re going down. For Quincy homeowners, investing now means cashing in on the highest available incentives before they disappear.”

Federal Tax Credits Have Ended

Another major change is the end of federal tax credits for heat pumps. Prior to 2026, homeowners could stack federal incentives alongside Mass Save rebates, but that’s no longer an option. This makes the Mass Save® program your primary financial incentive moving forward.

Why Heat Pumps Still Make Sense in Quincy, MA

Despite reduced rebates, heat pumps remain one of Massachusetts’ top-supported energy upgrades—and for good reason. Their efficiency, environmental benefits, and eligibility for utility discount programs still make them a smart choice for Eastern Massachusetts homeowners.

Cold-Climate Performance Tailored for Quincy Homes

Modern air-source heat pumps are designed for New England weather. Whether you live in a stately Colonial, a triple-decker, or a post-war ranch near Wollaston Beach, there’s a system that fits your home’s needs.

Advantages include:

• Efficient heating even during freezing Quincy winters
• Quiet, steady cooling for muggy summer months
• Customizable comfort settings
• Zoning options for multi-family homes or extended units

With higher efficiency than oil or gas systems, Quincy homeowners can save significantly on annual energy costs with a properly sized and installed heat pump.

Utility Savings Through Winter Reduced Rate Programs

If you’re served by National Grid or another local utility provider, you may also qualify for special reduced electric rates during the winter when using a heat pump as your primary heat source. This can double your savings over time—particularly during colder months.

Learn more about qualifications through Mass Save’s official rebates and offers page.

2026 Rebate Requirements: What You Need to Qualify in Massachusetts

To earn a Mass Save® rebate in 2026, having an efficient heat pump system is not enough. New rules affect how systems are installed, which technologies are used, and how your whole-home strategy is defined.

Key Requirement: Low-GWP Refrigerant Compliance

Starting in 2026, systems that use older refrigerants such as R-410A no longer qualify for Mass Save® rebates. Only models with approved low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants are eligible.

For Quincy homeowners, this means working closely with a contractor like SumZero Energy Systems who sources qualified, compliant equipment—ensuring your project isn’t sidelined by a technicality.

Systems must:

• Use an approved low-GWP refrigerant
• Meet NEEP cold-climate certification
• Be properly sized and installed based on Manual J

Whole-Home vs. Partial-Home Rebate Criteria

Rebate category eligibility is based not only on system size—but also your heating plan.

Here’s how they differ:

• Whole-Home Rebate: Must remove or disconnect fossil fuel heating. All conditioned spaces are required to be served by the new heat pump. You can earn up to $8,500 for switching entirely.
• Partial-Home Rebate: For supplementing existing systems or zoned installations. Rebate amounts are lower, but minimum efficiency and installation standards still apply.
• Basic Rebate: Most limited incentive, typically offered for smaller upgrades like a single-head ductless system. Less documentation, but lower savings.

Expect a home inspection and verification steps to ensure eligibility for higher-tier incentives.

“The Mass Save program isn’t one-size-fits-all. Making the right choice depends on your home, your heating goals, and which upgrade path best fits your long-term plans.”

Enhanced Incentives for Income-Eligible Quincy Residents

The Mass Save® program continues to support households with lower or moderate incomes by offering higher incentive caps and potential no-cost turnkey services.

Up to $16,000 or Full-Cost Coverage

If your household qualifies based on income, you may receive up to $16,000 in incentives—significantly easing the upfront cost burden of a new heat pump system. In Quincy, this can apply to older homes, multi-generational households, or retirees living on fixed incomes.

Qualifying households may also be eligible for:

• Free home energy assessments
• No-cost insulation and weatherization
• Turnkey installations with minimal paperwork

By participating early in the year, funds are more likely to be available—so it pays to start your project as soon as possible.

How to Confirm Your Eligibility

Quincy households who meet income guidelines based on family size and total earnings should contact Mass Save® or review eligibility on the official Income-Eligible Program page. You’ll want to gather the necessary financial documents to ensure a smooth application.

Common Heat Pump Scenarios for Homes in Quincy

Whether you’re retrofitting a full system or setting up supplemental heating, there are several common setups that work well in the local housing stock.

Converting Oil or Gas to Full Electric

Older single-family homes in Quincy often run on oil or gas. These systems can be replaced with whole-home heat pumps, making the homeowner eligible for the maximum $8,500 rebate in 2026.

This scenario is ideal if:

• Your furnace or boiler is due for replacement
• You want to eliminate fossil fuel use
• You’re aiming to electrify your home fully

Adding Heat Pumps to Existing Systems (Partial-Home)

Many homeowners choose to replace part of their home’s heating/cooling with a ductless mini-split system.

This setup is useful for:

• Adding comfort to finished basements or attic spaces
• Transforming sunrooms or additions into year-round zones
• Getting rebates without removing your old system entirely

While the incentives are smaller, this flexible approach lets you upgrade in stages.

Plan Ahead: 2026 May Be Your Last Chance for Strong Rebates

While rebates are still available, there are signs the program will continue to taper down in future years. Knowing this, it’s wise to plan ahead—even if you're just exploring options now.

Why You Should Act Now

• Rebates have already decreased from 2025
• Federal tax credits are no longer offered
• Systems must meet stricter refrigerant regulations
• Early adopters secure higher savings before budget caps hit

Whether you're in Squantum, Wollaston, or West Quincy, locking in your 2026 Mass Save® rebate now offers real financial benefits—especially before another drop comes in 2027.

Check Your Energy Usage, Then Upgrade

The best first step is a no-cost home energy assessment. This service evaluates your building envelope, insulation levels, and efficiency concerns. SumZero Energy Systems can help Quincy homeowners interpret the results and suggest personalized upgrade paths.

Don’t forget to check current rebate rules directly from the Mass Save official air source heat pump page.

Final Thought for Quincy Homeowners

Heat pump technology has evolved. Even with lower rebates in 2026, smart installations still deliver long-term comfort, energy savings, and reduced carbon emissions. What’s more, installing now means you still tap into one of Massachusetts’ last great rebate years. 

If you live in Quincy, MA, make 2026 the year to rethink how your home uses energy—while the savings are still within reach.